A day after the slayings, Lakshminivasa Nerusu, an unemployed computer programmer, boarded a flight from Detroit Metropolitan Airport on a one-way ticket to India.

The Oakland County prosecutor’s office in Michigan issued a three-count, first-degree murder warrant in early November 2008. Lakshminivasa Nerusu also was charged by federal officials with leaving Michigan to avoid prosecution.

The FBI and international agencies joined in the search for Nerusu.

“We look forward to Mr. Nerusu returning to Michigan to face the consequences of these horrific crimes,” said David Molloy, Novi police chief.

It could take several years if Nerusu contests extradition, Molloy added. The federal Justice and State departments are handling that process.

First-degree murder convictions carry automatic sentences of life in prison without parole.